The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 4, No. 2, Summer 1992.
We are introduced to Ginny Kelly in this first novel of a new Black writer’s mystery series. Ginny and her friend Bev are two of the few Black graduates of the business administration school of a “vine covered white people’s institution.” The first person narrative form draws us into Ginny – a cynical, self-deprecating, heavy drinking, upscale, Chicago lesbian working in financial services. She tickles our funny bones, reminds us that we are none of us saints, and succeeds as anti-heroine. Bev’s new lover Kelsey is found shot to death in the alley behind a lesbian bar, and Ginny involves herself in finding the murderer. She indulges in a short affair with an obsessive, pursuing woman; learns of the suicide of a business associate of the murdered woman; and flies to Boston for further sleuthing.
Ginny has a keen grasp of human nature, responding to, “Would you ever marry a white man?” with an honest “No.” Even though Ginny is not trying to hide her lesbianism, the naive co-worker remains unenlightened – and unaware she’s unenlightened.
This is an enjoyable “read” — strong on character development and easy on details about murdering and corpses. There is some sexual activity, and the author treats it off-handedly, casually fading away from any explicit descriptions.
Recommended for larger collections of contemporary lesbian fiction.
Dana Artemis Fogg
MLS Student
Texas Women’s University
Denton, ‘IX
